When You Need Us Most, We'll Be There
In Loving Memory of
Donald Burdette Friese
OCTOBER 2, 1933 — FEBRUARY 4, 2026
MARSHALL, MN
MAY HE REST IN PEACE
Donald Burdette Friese was born on October 2, 1933, in Parker, South Dakota. He was the son of Arie and Florence (Kasten) Friese. Don grew up on the family farm West of Balaton, Minnesota, and attended the Burchard country school through the 8th grade. He went on to graduate from Balaton High School in 1951 and then continued his education at South Dakota State University where he studied dairy agriculture.
On October 24, 1959, Don was united in marriage to Shirley McConnell at Wesley United Methodist Church in Marshall, Minnesota. The couple made their home on their Lyon County farm for the next 60 years. Don demonstrated his incredible work ethic over 30 years as a dairy farmer and then he made and sold hay to other area farmers. Don enjoyed his work, never took vacations, and hardly ever stopped due to illness. He was proud to make many friends during his sales and enjoyed the interactions with his neighbors. Don often said he was thankful to be so blessed, told others how grateful he was for his wife, and was described as being a loyal, faithful, and dedicated family man.
Donald Friese died on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, in Marshall, Minnesota. He reached the age of 92 years, 4 months, and 2 days. Blessed be his memory.
He Is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Shirley Friese of Marshall; 3 children, Jeanette Gilles of Sebring, FL, Greg Friese (and Christy Hein) of Ward, SD, Kendall (and Tina) Friese of Forest Lake; 5 grandchildren, Brian Gilles of Anoka, Brenda (and Tyler) Nielsen of Lonsdale, Joel (and Monica) Friese of Plymouth, Tianna (and Layton) Larson of Dayton, Michael (and Leah) Friese of Sioux Falls, SD; 8 great-grandchildren, Logan, Theo, Lux, Lincoln, Elsa, a few more and a baby girl on the way; 3 siblings, Charles “Chuck” (and Joan) Friese of Slayton, Curt (and Cheryl) Friese of Rock Lake, Yvonne Thompson of Willmar; nephews, nieces, other relatives and many friends.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Arie and Florence Friese; sister, Zelda (and John) Bergstalter; and a brother-in-law, Donald Thompson.
In Loving Memory of Donald Friese
Your generous gift helps us continue providing compassionate care to others in need, just as Donald received. Thank you for honoring his memory. When donating you have the opportunity on the donation form to check in “In Memory of”.